The Next Recipient

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. When I remember you in my prayers,always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. - Philemon 1:3-6

When you're half a world away from your family, friends, coworkers, and classmates, you can start to feel a little bit lonely. When there's a chance to see a familiar face, even if it's just for a bit, you take it. And if that familiar face is actually an entire family who you've spent a seminary career with, it's more than just a little celebratory. So imagine my delight when Marc, my friend and classmate, let me know that he and his family had a day's layover in London on their way to their year as the next recipients of the Graduate Preaching Fellowship.

Marc and company had just 12 hours in London, but they were going from one overnight international flight to the next, so if nothing else they needed someone to keep them awake. Fortunately, I was up to the task - and the rain managed to hold off long enough for us to explore the heart of the city. We had plenty of time to see Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square with a quick stop at a local pub for some lunch. They seemed happy to have someone else think through their steps for a while, and I was happy to have friendly faces to tour with.

But even more exciting than that was the opportunity to connect about this great gift we've both been given. This year of study and travel is, for us both, an opportunity of a lifetime. We compared notes, discussed options, laughed about complications, and dreamed about what it will mean for our future in ministry. The fact that our years overlap a bit is even more exciting, as it feels even more like we're not in it alone. Certainly, his time in Tanzania and Israel with his entire family will be distinctly different than my time in Rome and London, but that's exactly the point. The church is a place of variety, and Marc and I are both called to share our diverse talents and experiences in more ways and places than we could ever imagine. Intimidating though it might be, it sure is exciting.

In lieu of a photo for this post (since I forgot my camera), I give you the link to Marc's family's blog. They've got plenty of pictures and stories already, so there's lots to look at. Be sure to send them a message of support. What an amazing journey!

Good and gracious God, you send us all out on daily adventures where we are constantly called to serve you. Be especially present with those in far-away places learning challenging and sometimes frightening new things, so that they might have the confidence and peace to use their knowledge in your service. Keep Marc and his family safe, and fill them with your joy. Grant us each the ability to see your wondrous world in new ways. Amen.